Board looks to establish downtown code district

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By Andy Barrand

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

By Andy Barrand

Posted Dec. 21, 2012 at 10:08 AM

By Andy Barrand
Posted Dec. 21, 2012 at 10:08 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

andy.barrand@hillsdale.net

JONESVILLE — The Village of Jonesville Council was presented Wednesday with a 14-page document outlining the village’s new Downtown Form-Based Code (DFBC) District. Council President Robert Snow said the planning commission has been working on the document for the last year. “It is a better way for us to help plan for the future of the village,” Snow said. “It will help to streamline things.” The document will give current businesses and new businesses a guideline to go by when remodeling existing structures or building new ones. A public hearing for the zoning ordinance amendment will be held during the council’s regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16. The Downtown Form-Based Code District looks to establish a development pattern in which new buildings and building modifications enhance the character of the existing built environment. The document outlines the 12 things the district will do. The document says the DFBC is intended to promote a unified vision for supporting the historic commercial core of the Village of Jonesville, focused on and oriented as much to the needs of the pedestrian as to those of the automobile. The council is hoping the district will create new opportunities for investment while protecting quality attributes of the area. During the Jan. 16 meeting the village will also hold a public hearing on the proposed abandonment of a portion of South Street and an adjacent alley. The council is looking at the possible acquisition of the abandoned Pennsylvania Central Railroad right-of-way for non-motorized pathway work from the northeast corner of the intersection of Gaige Street and Beck Street north to the south side of the St. Joseph River. Snow said other than setting those meeting dates the meeting was a short one to wrap up end of the year business. In other business: • Roy Hill was appointed to the Jonesville District Library Board • Scott Leising was appointed to the planning commission